Maria Sharapova and Sven Groeneveld, who worked together for four years, decided to part ways on a mutual note.

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March 10, 2018

UPDATED: March 10, 2018 10:18 IST

Maria Sharapova has lost three consecutive matches for the first time since 2003. (Reuters Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

Sharapova and Groeneveld parted ways on a mutual note

They worked together for four years

Sharapova has lost three consecutive matches

Former world number one Maria Sharapova split with her coach Sven Groeneveld on Friday after going through a horrid run.

Sharapova, for the first time since 2003, has lost three consecutive matches.

Sharapova, who was beaten by world No. 44 Naomi Osaka in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in California on Wednesday, said that the four-year partnership was brought to an end on a mutual note.

The Russian first lost to Angelique Kerber in the third round of the Australian Open and was then defeated by Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu in the Qatar Open first round. Following that, she went down to Osaka in California.

Sharapova has now pulled out of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The 30-year-old has struggled to recapture top form since her 15-month ban for taking the banned drug meldonium ended last April.

"After four successful and challenging years of collaboration together, I would like to thank Sven for his incredible loyalty, work ethic and most importantly the friendship that we have formed that will go beyond this working partnership," Sharapova said in a statement on her website.

"Although we have mutually agreed to part ways during this time, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a team leader like him in my corner for the past four years."

Russian Sharapova won seven titles during her time with Groeneveld, most notably the 2014 French Open.

A two-time champion at Indian Wells, Sharapova, currently ranked 41st in the world, won the Tianjin Open in October for her first triumph since returning to the WTA Tour, but has not come close to challenging for a tournament victory since.

"Maria has been one of the most hardworking and professional players I have ever worked with," Groeneveld said.

"Her strength and fighting spirit will continue to be a force to reckon with and I have the deepest respect for her as a player and person."

(With inputs from Reuters)

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